Carpe diem ...

As summer reluctantly gives way to a bright and sunny autumn, which is always my favourite time of the year in Cyprus, I find myself in a reflective mood. 2019 has flown by and there have been many things (too many, if I am honest) to deal with. We are, by nature, both on the procrastination wing of life, and - by and large - this is how it should be.

Cyprus lends itself to this approach as nobody races around at breakneck speed (unless they are at the wheel of a twin-cab) and there is always tomorrow. But sometimes life intrudes.

Our journeys to Paphos have become more frequent, as some things are just not available out in the country. Ann travels regularly to see her consultant at Paphos General, and that is not stressful but time-consuming, and tiring. Next week sees us off to Immigration to hopefully settle our MEU3 application. No thanks here to the wretched UK government for trying to ruin the lives of British citizens living in the EU.

We have made a number of changes in 2019, and perhaps the most noticeable has been to engage Mick, a lovely pool man from Kathikas, who visits us twice a week (winter and summer) to make sure our pool is sparkling clean and healthy. I really noticed this in the very hot months when all we want to do is enjoy the pool and not clean it. Ann pestered me until I caved in and it was a very worthwhile decision. If you are following us to Cyprus, and decide a private pool is the last piece in the “living the dream” jigsaw, then budget for someone qualified to do this important job.

Although not a 2019 decision, our employment of Lisa as someone to clean the house and do the ironing was a significant milestone. Every now and again we have to remind ourselves we have retired to the sun, and so do not need to fill our time with domestic tasks. But Lisa has proved to be a godsend and we just leave her to it and go to the pub for a drink, safe in the knowledge that Daisy is keeping an eye on her.

Sitting here and gazing over the bay reminds me that we are very lucky to live the life we do. If you cannot decide that this life is for you, then consider that we all only live once. Carpe diem.